Tired of hitting the giant chain coffee stores everywhere you go? Well, when you find yourself in Arlington, there’s good news—there are great local coffee shops in Arlington on nearly every corner, where you don’t have to sacrifice quality for a unique café with values and character.
Whether you are looking for homespun and cozy, modern and chic, or something in between, there is a must-try coffeeshop in the area waiting for you to discover it.
Compass Coffee
- Address: multiple locations
- Rosslyn: 1201 Wilson Blvd, Rosslyn, VA 22209
- Ballston: 4100 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203
This is a truly local little chain, with two locations in Arlington and several more in DC.
From the moment you step in to the spacious, modern-design seating areas and see the giant wall of coffee flavors and equipment for sale, plus the bank of coffee and espresso machines behind the counter, you know these people are serious about coffee.
But don’t feel overwhelmed—the baristas are unfailingly friendly, quick to serve, and happy to recommend their own favorites. In addition to espresso bar favorites (listed with a helpful chart showing you what exactly is in an “Americano” or a “Red Eye”), Compass pays careful attention to the drinks that other shops might only serve as an afterthought, or not at all, like nitro cold brew, hot chocolate, and many specialty flavors of coffee and tea.
The result is a great experience ordering, with something sure to please everyone in your group.
Italian Store at Westover
- Address: 5837 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22205
When this family-run grocery and deli, an Arlington cornerstone since 1980, opened a second location, they added a popular espresso bar serving up a variety of authentic Italian beverages made with Illy coffee.
From a simple caffè filtro to an affogato (espresso poured over one of their many flavors of gelato), your group can decide on their preferences, then relax and enjoy at café tables inside or out in the pleasant Westover neighborhood.
Just like the original, this location also has a food menu with New York-style subs and pizza, and a small grocery featuring Italian wines, meats and breads. Whether staying for lunch or grabbing something on the run, be sure to make the coffee bar part of your stop.
Bayou Bakery
- Address: 1515 N Courthouse Rd, Arlington, VA 22201
This offbeat café and restaurant in the middle of the busy Court House area is a locals’ and travelers’ favorite for a caffeine boost, and maybe a beignet. The owners’ love of New Orleans and Southern cuisine shines through in every bit of the menu and décor, and of course in the coffee bar.
French-Louisianan flavors like café au lait and chicory are highlighted, while the teas feature some uncommon and tasty choices like chai, yerba mate and turmeric ginger (and if you’re all done with work for the day, it’s not hard to find a spiked hot beverage or two!).
Fear not, though: for the connoisseur of classics, there is always a fresh cup of coffee or espresso, hot or iced, ready for you.
The food menu similarly pairs inventive creations alongside authentic southern favorites that are much harder to find as you head north, like gumbo, grits and real buttermilk biscuits.
For its charming character, welcoming attitude and unique menu options, give this place a try for breakfast or lunch—and you’ll probably find a reason to come back.
Chill Zone Café
- Address: 2442 N Harrison St, Arlington, VA 22207
Don’t let that drive-through Starbucks lure you in! Just around the corner is a far superior cup of joe with a much more unique and welcoming café atmosphere.
Chill Zone’s vibe is cool and modern, but certainly not cold. Beautiful origami and floral arrangements speak to the owners’ concern to give customers the best possible experience, values that are also reflected in the carefully, lovingly crafted drinks and bites.
The coffee flavors and the menu are inspired by their Vietnamese heritage—pho, spring rolls and bubble tea are all available alongside classic espresso and cappuccino, and more adventurous options like Egg Coffee and Viet Latte.
Suggest this lesser-known spot for a meet-up and immediately score cool points.
Simona Cafe (formerly Sweet Science Coffee)
- Address: 2507 Franklin Rd, Arlington, VA 22201
Even in an area already heavy with coffee shops, Sweet Science stands out. When the DC café recently opened its second location near Court House, those in-the-know rejoiced.
The “sweet” might well refer to the cheerful, knowledgeable baristas who clearly love what they’re doing. The “science” of it is the methodical way they find the very best techniques for making espresso and coffee: from using the right water and high-quality, fairly sourced and locally roasted beans, to using several different brewing techniques to get the right aromas for each beverage.
And it shows in the cup!
Even for someone into super-sweet, super-creamy drinks (which they are happy to provide), we’d recommend trying a couple of sips of their coffee black. Each drink is an experience.
And in the cool modern little indoor seating areas and patio, you can take your time to enjoy.
Busboys & Poets
- Address: 4251 S. Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206
The Shirlington Busboys & Poets location, like its DC siblings, is not just a restaurant but a community: of readers, writers, artists and lovers of culture.
You can certainly pick up a quick coffee to go—but once you step inside, the bookshop, bulletin board advertising all kinds of events, activist-inspired murals, and other local art are going to make it hard to leave in a hurry.
Busboys wears its political stances proudly, highlighting figures who stand up for civil rights and against injustice. It’s also just a lovely place to get some delicious food and coffee.
The menu is versatile and very vegan and gluten-free friendly, meaning it’s a good spot for a friends brunch, lunch with your book club, a dinner date at the bar, or, of course, coffee and a good book.
If you’re a latte or mocha person, definitely check out the unique flavors they have on offer.
Village Sweet
- Address: 5872 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22205
One of the best local spots for a breakfast treat and some quality coffee that perfectly hits the spot. Village Sweet seems small from the outside, but has a roomy, homey interior where you are welcome to lounge and enjoy fresh coffee and other hot and iced beverages.
Prepare to be drawn in by the rotating selection of mouth-watering homemade pastries including muffins, cupcakes, scones, croissants, and beautifully iced cookies.
Keep in mind that this neighborhood café opens in the mornings only, and is closed some weekdays: check hours online or give them a call before stopping by.
They’ll be happy to tell you the special treats on sale today, too!
Kaldi’s Social House
- Address: 3100 10th St N, Arlington, VA 22201
This sleek and impressive Clarendon hang out has a spacious lounging area with a variety of comfortable seating, which is fortunate because those who come will want to stay and return.
The stylish look is matched with substance: they serve connoisseur-favorite Counter Culture coffee and a full espresso bar menu, plus healthy smoothies, quality breakfast and lunch dishes, and a respectable draft beer menu.
Coffee drinks are happily made with non-dairy milk substitutes.
Pro-tip: when they’re not too busy, order a latte to drink in-house—yes, there is foam art, and no, it isn’t just the standard swirl. Think bunnies and dragons!
Northside Social Coffee and Wine
- Address: 3211 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
It’s a good thing these baristas and servers excel under pressure, because Northside’s great coffee, comfortable dining spaces, and expansive menu draw in crowds—everyone from weekend brunchers to start-up meetings to writers absorbed in their laptops.
Luckily, there is plenty of space, with convenient tables and sofas downstairs, dog-friendly outdoor seating, and a quieter upstairs great for bringing a book or just relaxing with a nice beverage.
Open all day, the restaurant has different menu items perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while the hot or iced coffee is fresh and delicious anytime. This now-familiar local hang-out also has a Falls Church location; at both, you step up to the counter to order, though staff is happy to run your latte or bottle of wine out to you, and help bus your table.
Idido’s Coffee and Social House
- Address: 1107 S Walter Reed Dr, Arlington, VA 22204
Named for an area in Ethiopia renowned for its especially flavorful coffee beans, Idido’s has been a go-to spot for locals since its 2019 opening.
It’s equally ideal for friend hang-outs, work meet-ups, picking up a healthy snack to go, or sitting with family to eat a memorable lunch and cup of espresso.
The drink menu is large, but each choice hits the nail on the head, from caramel macchiato to matcha to fresh cold brew.
The local-themed murals and art, the ultra-comfy chairs inside, and the tables outside (set far enough away from the Columbia Pike bustle to be peaceful) tempt visitors to stay and relax a while.
Detour Coffee
- Address: 946 N Jackson St, Arlington, VA 22201
Without a doubt, when in Arlington you should take a detour to this slightly hidden gem of a quirky espresso shop and eatery. Everything about it is gorgeous inside and out, from the décor to the generous plates of food to the outdoor seating that feels more like someone’s back porch than a café in the middle of the Virginia Square area.
If you need a spot to truly savor a group breakfast/brunch/lunch, look no further; Detour is well-suited to larger parties and events.
And almost every ingredient that goes into your cup here is locally sourced, except for the top-notch Smith Tea from Oregon.
Rappahannock Coffee
- Address: 2406 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204
Here you can find all the coffee and bakery options you could ask for, in a quiet and cozy café, with absolutely zero pretension and an overabundance of down-to-earth friendliness.
No matter whom you get at the counter, they are sure to serve your drink up quickly and with a smile, and are happy to answer questions or honor special requests when possible.
You have the option of sitting outside on the Pike and watching the busy world go by (including those not in-the-know paying double at the Starbucks across the street), or escaping to the comfy chairs inside.
Or, as a happy medium, grab a stool at the counter facing out the window.
Rāko
- Address: 2016 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
This is really a place where you can start your day right, with expertly made and not-too-expensive espresso of every variety.
And with some tasty dishes available, large and small—along with a few cocktails and wine—you might find yourself coming back for lunch!
Plus, it’s another spot where the latte foam truly becomes a work of art. With plenty of well-furnished space (with quirky little décor touches) inside and out, you can sit and work or people-watch without feeling crowded, which can be quite refreshing in the middle of Clarendon.
Mumu Café
- Address: 1924 N Uhle St, Arlington, VA 22201
It is hard to visit this little café under the Mom’s Organic near Rosslyn and not come away loving it.
The care that goes into each detail is obvious, from the pillows and little decorations set up to make the window-side tables super-comfortable, to the way each healthy snack and smoothie comes out beautiful and delicious.
There are plenty of espresso drinks, teas and other flavorful hot beverages; the lattes are stand-out, and there are equally yummy dairy-free versions.
It is a popular spot for nearby workers to pick up lunch and a midday caffeine boost, but if you have the time, take a break from the day and enjoy the calm atmosphere here.
Commonwealth Joe Coffee Roasters
- Address: 520 12th St S Suite 150, Arlington, VA 22202
Wander over to Pentagon City to try out Commonwealth Joe is known for its high-quality coffee, nitro cold brew and kombucha on tap, and seasonal specials that are photo worthy.
Trade Roots, Fair Trade Gift Shop, Coffee House, & Wine Bar
- Address: 5852 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22205
Don’t forget to grab a New Zealand hand pie when you pop into this coffee shop, that also sells a variety of coffee beans, wines, chocolates, and cheeses.
More Arlington Coffee Shops
- Bakeshop, 1025 N Fillmore St G, Arlington, VA 22201
- Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery, 1515 N Courthouse Rd, Arlington, VA 22201
- Bourbon Coffee, 1919 N Lynn St Suite 1500, Arlington, VA 22209
- Cafe Kindred, 450 N Washington St Ste F, Falls Church, VA 22046
- Café Sazón, 4704 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204
- Coffee Beanery Virginia Square, 3444 Fairfax Dr, Arlington, VA 22201
- East West Coffee Wine, 3101 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
- For Five Coffee Arlington, 2311 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
- Good Company Doughnuts & Café, Retail 1, 672 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22203
- Idido’s Coffee and Social House, 1107 S Walter Reed Dr UNIT 102, Arlington, VA 22204
- Mocha Cafe and Pastry, 2720 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
- Rappahannock Coffee, 2406 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204
- Rare Bird Coffee Roasters, 230 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046
- Three Whistles: Eat Drink Work, 2719 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
- Waterhouse Coffee & Juice Bar, 3033 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
Chain Coffee Shops in Arlington
- Le Pain Quotidien, 2900 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
- Starbucks, multiple locations
- Tatte Bakery and Cafe, 2805 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
Permanently Closed Coffee Shops in Arlington VA
- Bread & Water Company, 1201 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA 22202
- Boccato, 2719 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
- Java Shack, 2507 Franklin Rd, Arlington, VA 22201
- Nespresso Boutique Pentagon City, 1100 S. Hayes St. Space H03A, Arlington, VA 22202
- Philz Coffee, 4121 Wilson Blvd #102C, Arlington, VA 22203
- Republik Coffee Bar, 4401 Wilson Blvd UNIT 103, Arlington, VA 22203
- Sense of Place Café, 4807 1st St N, Arlington, VA 22203
- Sweet Science Coffee, 2507 Franklin Rd, Arlington, VA 22201 (now Simona Cafe)
- The Stand, 1601 Crystal Dr, Arlington, VA 22202
